JP2013169912A - Telescopic steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure capable of stabilizing assembly condition between an inner column 14b and an outer column 13.SOLUTION: In a telescopic steering device, a pair of engaging projection members 41 and 41 are arranged at two locations separated circumferentially of front end side section of inner column body 40 composing the inner column 14b; a section of the inner column 14b providing with the both engaging projection members 41 and 41 is arranged between inner side surfaces of both sandwiched sections 21a and 21a of movable side bracket 20a in such a condition that both the outer column 13b and inner column 14b are assembled mutually; and both the engaging projection members 41 and 41 are arranged at the back of mallet-like member 19b in such a condition that a part of cone projection 44 of both the engaging projection members 41 and 41 and a part of the mallet-like member 19a are piled mutually with respect to axial direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a telescopic steering device for adjusting the front-rear position of a steering wheel. Specifically, by improving the structure of the inner column that constitutes the steering column, a structure that can stabilize the assembled state of the inner column and the outer column is realized.

  The steering apparatus for an automobile is configured as shown in FIG. 11, and transmits the rotation of the steering wheel 1 to the input shaft 3 of the steering gear unit 2, and a pair of left and right tie rods 4 in accordance with the rotation of the input shaft 3. 4 is pushed and pulled to give a steering angle to the front wheels. The steering wheel 1 is supported and fixed to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 5, and the steering shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the steering column 6 with the cylindrical steering column 6 inserted in the axial direction. Has been. Further, the front end portion of the steering shaft 5 is connected to the rear end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 via a universal joint 7, and the front end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 is connected to the input shaft 3 via another universal joint 9. Connected to.

  With such a steering device, a tilt mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 and a telescopic mechanism for adjusting the front-rear position according to the physique and driving posture of the driver have been widely known. ing. In order to constitute the tilt mechanism, the steering column 6 is in the width direction with respect to the vehicle body 10 (the width direction is the width direction of the vehicle body and coincides with the left-right direction. Description and claims) The same is applied to the entire range.) The rocking displacement centering on the pivot 11 installed is supported. Further, the movable side bracket fixed to the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the steering column 6 with respect to the fixed side bracket 12 supported on the vehicle body 10 is vertically and longitudinally (the longitudinal direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body). This is the same throughout the present specification and claims). Among these, in order to constitute a telescopic mechanism that enables displacement in the front-rear direction, the steering column 6 has a structure in which an outer column 13 and an inner column 14 are telescopically combined to expand and contract, and the steering shaft 5 The outer tube 15 and the inner shaft 16 are combined with each other so as to be able to transmit torque and expand and contract by spline engagement or the like. The illustrated example also incorporates an electric power steering device that reduces the force required to operate the steering wheel 1 using the electric motor 17 as an auxiliary power source.

  In the case of a tilt mechanism or a telescopic mechanism, the position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted or fixed to an adjusted position based on the operation of the adjustment lever 18 (see FIG. 12) except for an electric mechanism. Like. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a steering device having a tilt mechanism and a telescopic mechanism configured as shown in FIG. In the case of this steering device, a movable bracket 20 for holding a part of the inner column 14a constituting the steering column 6a is provided integrally with the outer column 13a at the rear end portion of the outer column 13a. Further, column side through holes 37, 37 that are long in the axial direction of the columns 13a, 14a are formed at positions where the pair of sandwiched portions 21, 21 constituting the movable bracket 20 are aligned with each other. Yes.

  A fixed side bracket 12a for fixing the outer column 13a to the vehicle body is provided around the movable side bracket 20. Vehicle body side through holes 38 and 38 that are long in the vertical direction are formed at positions where the support plate portions 22 and 22 of the fixed side bracket 12a are aligned with each other. Then, the flange-like member 19 is inserted into both the vehicle body side through holes 38, 38 and the both column side through holes 37, 37, and both the support wall portions 22, 22 are formed at the tip of the annular member 19. A tightening nut 23 and a lock nut 24 are screwed into a portion protruding from the outer surface of the support wall portion 22 of one of them (right side in FIG. 12) and further tightened.

  Further, between the head 25 provided at the base end of the flange-shaped member 19 and the outer surface of the other support wall 22, the other support wall 22 (to the left in FIG. 12). A cam mechanism 26 is provided. The cam mechanism 26 moves one of the pair of cam members 27 and 28 (to the right in FIG. 12) in the axial direction (see FIG. 12) as the adjustment lever 18 rotates to one side. To the right). Then, the space | interval of the inner surface of both the said support plate parts 22 and 22 shrinks, and the surface pressure of the contact part of these both support plate parts 28 and 28 and the said both sandwiched parts 21 and 21 becomes large. Along with this, the surface pressure of the fitting portion between the inner peripheral surface of the movable bracket 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a increases, and a part of the inner column 14a is tightened.

Further, when the adjustment lever 18 is rotated to the other side from a state in which a part of the inner column 14a is tightened as described above, the cam member 27 is moved in the other axial direction (in FIG. 12). Displace to the left). Then, the interval between the both sandwiched portions 21, 21 increases, the surface pressure of the contact portion between the both support plate portions 28, 28 and both the sandwiched portions 21, 21, and the movable side bracket 20. The surface pressure of the fitting portion between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14a is reduced. In such a state, the outer column 13a is moved back and forth (relative displacement with respect to the inner column 14a) within a range in which the flange-like member 19 can be displaced in the axial direction inside the column side through holes 37, 37. Thus, the front-rear position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted. Further, the vertical position of the steering wheel 1 can be adjusted by moving the steering column 6a up and down within a range in which the flange-like member 19 can be displaced inside the vehicle body side passages 38 and 38. At this time, the steering column 6a swings and displaces in the vertical direction around the pivot 11 (see FIG. 11).
Further, a stopper member 29 is supported on the sandwiched portions 21 and 21 via the flange-shaped member 19. Further, a portion of the stopper member 29 that protrudes toward the inner diameter side from the inner surface of the sandwiched portions 21 and 21 is formed at a part of the inner column 14a in the circumferential direction. Is engaged with a long hole 30 which is long in the axial direction.

  According to such a telescopic steering device described in Patent Document 2, the front and rear positions of the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 11) in a state where the tightening of the inner column 14a by the both sandwiched portions 21 and 21 is released. The vertical position can be moved to a desired position. Further, when an impact load of a predetermined value or more directed forward is applied at the time of the secondary collision of the automobile, the overall length of the steering shaft 5a and the steering column 6a can be shortened to reduce the impact received by the driver. . Further, since the tip end portion of the stopper member 29 is engaged with the elongated hole 30 formed in the inner column 14a, the relative rotation of the outer and inner columns 13a and 14a is caused by relative rotation between the outer and inner columns 13a, Unlike the case of blocking only by friction acting between 14a, it can be effectively blocked.

  By the way, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the conventional steering columns 6 and 6a constituting the telescopic steering device as described above simply connect the outer columns 13 and 13a and the inner columns 14 and 14a. It is configured by combining telescopes. For this reason, there is a possibility of causing the following problems during the assembly work to the vehicle (vehicle body 10).

  For example, in assembling the steering columns 6 and 6a to the vehicle, first, the pivot bracket 32 (see FIG. 11) is fixed to a part of the vehicle body 10. The pivot bracket 32 includes a housing 31 for installing components of the electric power steering device, such as the electric motor 17 and a reduction gear, which are coupled and fixed to the front end portions of the inner columns 14 and 14a. This is for supporting the vehicle body 10 so as to be swingable. After the pivot bracket 32 is fixed, the fixed bracket 12 supporting the outer columns 13 and 13a is supported on a part of the vehicle body 10 so as to be detachable forward based on an impact at the time of a secondary collision. . When performing such assembly work, after the pivot bracket 32 is fixed to the vehicle body 10, the outer columns 13, 13 a and the inner column are in a state before the fixed bracket 12 is supported by the vehicle body 10. 14 and 14a may rotate relative to each other, or the inner columns 14 and 14a may come out of the outer columns 13 and 13a, thereby reducing the efficiency of assembly work. Further, when the outer columns 13 and 13a and the inner columns 14 and 14a are transported in an assembled state, the outer columns 13 and 13a and the inner columns 14 and 14a are also relatively rotated to maintain an appropriate assembled state. It may not be possible.

  On the other hand, in the case of the structure shown in FIG. 12, by providing the stopper member 29, the outer columns 13, 13a and the inner columns 14, 14a are assembled with the telescopic steering device assembled. Relative rotation and the inner columns 14 and 14a are prevented from coming out of the outer columns 13 and 13a in the axial direction. However, when the stopper member 29 is assembled, an operation for matching the circumferential direction of the gap between the sandwiched portions 21 and 21 of the outer column 13a and the elongated hole 30 of the inner column 14a, and In addition, it is necessary to insert the hook-shaped member 19 through the through hole 33 formed in the stopper member 29 so as to penetrate the stopper member 29 in the width direction.

JP 2002-120931 A

  In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention has a structure in which the inner column and the outer column can be easily assembled by devising the structure of the inner column constituting the steering column. The present invention was invented to realize a structure capable of stabilizing the assembled state with the outer column.

The telescopic steering device of the present invention includes a steering column, a steering shaft, a fixed side bracket supported on the vehicle body side, a movable side bracket, a bowl-shaped member, and an adjustment lever.
Among these, the steering column includes a cylindrical outer column capable of expanding and reducing at least a part of the inner diameter in the axial direction, and a cylindrical inner column that is fitted and supported on the inner diameter side of the outer column so as to be capable of axial displacement. And can be expanded and contracted.
The steering shaft is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the steering column, and a steering wheel is mounted on a rear end portion protruding rearward from the rear end opening of the steering column.
The fixed side bracket is provided in a fixed part with the inner column of the outer column being able to expand / contract from both sides in the width direction, and a pair of support wall parts capable of expansion / contraction in the width direction have.
The movable bracket is formed integrally with the outer column by plastic working from the outer column, and a pair of sandwiched parts that can be expanded and contracted in the width direction as the support wall portions expand and contract in the width direction. Has a part.
The saddle-shaped member is arranged in the width direction in a state where the vehicle body side through hole formed at the position where the both supporting wall portions are aligned with each other and the column side through hole formed in the both sandwiched portions are inserted. It is provided and expands / contracts the space | interval of a pair of mutually opposing surfaces of the said support wall part.
Further, the adjustment lever is provided at a proximal end portion of the bowl-shaped member, and expands / contracts an interval between the pair of surfaces with rotation.

  In particular, in the case of the telescopic steering device of the present invention, the outer column within the outer peripheral surface of the inner column, between the inner side surfaces of the sandwiched portions of the movable side bracket, and within the range of normal expansion and contraction operations. An engagement protrusion for restricting the rotation of the inner column relative to the outer column is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the shaft and the portion not buffered in the axial direction by engagement with the inner surfaces of the sandwiched portions. Yes.

When implementing the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above, preferably, as in the invention described in claim 2, the engaging protrusion is formed of at least a part of the engaging protrusion and the hook-shaped member. At least a part of which overlaps in the axial direction, and is provided in a state that prevents the inner column from coming out of the outer column based on the engagement between the engaging protrusions and the hook-shaped member.
Further, when the telescopic steering device of the present invention as described above is implemented, the outer column and the inner column are preferably expanded or contracted in the event of a collision, as in the invention described in claim 3. When the relative displacement is exceeded beyond the range of operation, the engagement protrusion comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer column in the axial direction so as to be separated from the inner column.

In the case of the telescopic steering device of the present invention configured as described above, the engaging protrusion as described above is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner column. For this reason, in a state where the outer and inner columns are assembled together, it is possible to prevent the two columns from rotating relative to each other and maintain an appropriate assembled state.
In addition, the work of assembling the outer and inner columns together is a simple work of adjusting the phase in the circumferential direction so that the engaging protrusion is disposed between the sandwiched portions of the outer column. It can be done with.
Further, in the case of the invention described in claim 2, the engaging protrusion is provided in a state in which at least a part of the engaging protrusion overlaps at least a part of the flange-shaped member with respect to the axial direction. . For this reason, the engagement protrusion does not pass through the hook-shaped member in the axial direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the inner column from coming off from the outer column in the axial direction.
Further, in the case of the invention described in claim 3, when the outer column and the inner column contract beyond the normal expansion / contraction range due to a collision accident, the engagement protrusion is separated from the inner column. To do. For this reason, the influence of the engagement protrusions on the collapse stroke between the outer and inner columns can be reduced. As a result, a sufficient collapse stroke can be secured.

The side view (a) which shows the state with the shortest length regarding the axial direction of a steering column which shows the 1st example of embodiment of this invention, and the side view (b) which shows the longest state. Similarly, AA sectional drawing of FIG. Similarly, the figure which took out the inner column and was seen from the lower part of FIG. Similarly, the figure equivalent to the BB cross section of FIG. 1 which takes out and shows an inner column main body and an engagement protrusion member. Similarly, it is sectional drawing for demonstrating the state which an engagement protrusion member detaches | leaves from an inner column at the time of a secondary collision, Comprising: The figure (a) which shows the state in the range of normal expansion-contraction operation, and normal expansion-contraction operation The figure (b) which shows the state just before an engagement protrusion member detaches | leaves from an inner column in the state beyond the range, and the figure (c) which shows the state which the engagement protrusion member detach | leave from the inner column. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention. The figure similar to FIG. 2 which shows the 3rd example. Similarly, the top view which takes out and shows only an inner column. Similarly, the perspective view which takes out and shows only an engagement protrusion member. Similarly, CC sectional drawing of FIG. The partial cutting side view which shows an example of the steering device for motor vehicles incorporating the telescopic steering device. The figure equivalent to the DD cross section of FIG. 11 which shows the 1st example of the telescopic steering apparatus known conventionally.

[First example of embodiment]
1 to 5 show a first example of an embodiment of the invention corresponding to all claims. The feature of the telescopic steering device of the present invention including this example is that the structure of the inner column 14b constituting the steering column 6b is devised. The other structure is substantially the same as the structure of the steering device provided with the telescopic mechanism and the tilt mechanism that have been conventionally known, including the structure shown in FIGS. The illustration and description will be omitted or simplified, and the following description will focus on the features of this example.

The telescopic steering device of this example includes a steering shaft 5, a steering column 6b, a fixed side bracket 12b, a movable side bracket 20a, a hook-shaped member 19a, and an adjusting lever 18.
In the steering column 6b, the outer column 13b is an upper column on the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 11) side, and the inner column 14b is far from the steering wheel 1 as in the structure shown in FIGS. The lower column is on the side.
In the telescopic steering device of this example, the outer column 13b has a cylindrical shape in which at least a part of the inner diameter in the axial direction can be elastically expanded / contracted, and the inner column 14b is disposed on the inner diameter side of the outer column 13b. And a support portion 34 for fitting and supporting the displacement in the axial direction.

  The support portions 34 are radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13b at three positions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the portion overlapping the inner column 14b in the radial direction. It consists of ridges 35, 35 formed in a protruding state. The leading edges (radially inner edges) of the raised portions 35 and 35 are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14b. As will be described later, the tips of the raised portions 35, 35 are securely attached to the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14b without increasing the processing accuracy of the raised portions 35, 35 constituting the support portion 34. From the viewpoint of contact, the number of the raised portions 35 is preferably three in this example. However, in consideration of the balance of the processing cost and the like, the number of the raised portions 35 and 35 can be more than three (for example, two on the left and right, for a total of four). The positions where these raised portions 35 are formed are not limited to the circumferentially equidistant positions on the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13b. However, it is not biased toward the semicircular side, but is distributed in a range exceeding the semicircular circumference.

  In the assembled state shown in FIG. 2, the outer column 13b has both end surfaces in the width direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2) on the outer peripheral surface of the outer column 13b, and both support wall portions 22a of the fixed bracket 12b. , 22a. In this way, the support rigidity in the width direction is increased, and the steering column 6b is less likely to vibrate in the width direction.

  Such an outer column 13b (including the support portion 34) is configured such that a hydraulic pressure (for example, water pressure) is applied to the inner peripheral surface of a metal tube, which is a hollow member made of a steel plate or an aluminum alloy, so that the diameter of the metal tube is reduced. It is molded by the hydroform method that plastically deforms outward in the direction. In the method of forming the outer column 13b by the hydroform method, for example, the metal tube as a material is set in a mold having an inner surface shape corresponding to the outer surface shape of the outer column 13b to be enlarged. . Then, both ends of the metal tube are closed with a shaft pushing tool or the like, and a high hydraulic pressure is applied to the metal tube. By applying this hydraulic pressure, the diameter of the metal tube is increased outward in the radial direction until it is in close contact with the inner surface of the cavity of the mold to form the outer column 13b. Moreover, after shaping | molding by a hydroform construction method, the finishing part by cutting or press is given to the front-end | tip part of each protruding part 35 and 35 which comprises the said support part 34 as needed. The method of forming the outer column 13b is not limited to the hydroform method, but may be press processing, bulge processing, vacuum forming, air blow molding, explosion molding, or the like.

  The movable bracket 20a is formed integrally with the outer column 13b by the hydroform method described above at the front end portion of the outer column 13b and fitted to the rear end portion of the inner column 14b. Yes. The method of forming the movable bracket 20a is not limited to the hydroform method, but may be press processing, bulge processing, vacuum forming, air blow molding, explosion molding, or the like.

  In the case of this example, the movable bracket 20a is provided so as to protrude downward from the front end portion of the outer column 13b, and the width of a pair of support wall portions 22a and 22a constituting the fixed bracket 12b. Along with expansion / contraction with respect to the direction, a pair of sandwiched portions 21a, 21a capable of expansion / contraction with respect to the width direction and a pair of inclined portions 36, 36 are provided. Note that vehicle body side through-holes 37a and 37a, which are long in the vertical direction and through which the flange-shaped member 19a can be inserted, are formed at positions where the two support wall portions 22a and 22a of the fixed side bracket 12b are aligned with each other. . In this way, as in the structure of the steering apparatus having the tilt mechanism shown in FIGS. 11 to 12, the pivot 11 (see FIG. 11) in which the steering column 6b is installed in the width direction with respect to the vehicle body 10 (see FIG. 11). The rocking displacement centering on FIG. 11) is supported.

Each of the sandwiched portions 21a and 21a has one end (the upper end in FIG. 2) at the lower end of the raised portions 35 and 35 formed below the raised portion 35 and 35 in the outer column 13b. And are formed substantially parallel to the support wall portions 22a and 22a. Further, column side through holes 38a and 38a which are long in the axial direction of the outer column 13b are formed at positions where the both sandwiched portions 21a and 21a are aligned with each other.
Further, both the inclined portions 36, 36 are connected to the other ends of the sandwiched portions 21a, 21a at the respective ends so as to approach each other in the width direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2) (inclined in FIG. 2). The other end is continuous via the continuous part 39.

The inner column 14 b includes a cylindrical inner column main body 40 and a pair of engaging protrusions 41 and 41.
Of these, the inner column main body 40 has the inner column body at two positions separated in the circumferential direction on the semicircular side (lower semicircular side in FIG. 2) closer to the rear end (right end in FIG. 3). Through holes 42 and 42 are formed in a state of penetrating the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the column main body 40.
The engaging protrusions 41, 41 are made of synthetic resin or light metal, and have a conical insertion portion 43, a conical protrusion 44 corresponding to the engaging protrusion in the claims, and an intermediate shaft. Part 45.

Of these, the conical insertion portion 43 is provided at one end in the axial direction of the both engaging protrusions 41 and 41 in such a state that the diameter decreases toward one axial direction of the both engaging protrusions 41 and 41. . In addition, the diameter D ₄₃ of at least the largest diameter portion (the end portion on the intermediate shaft portion 45 side) of the conical insertion portion 43 is larger than the inner diameter d ₄₂ of each through hole 42, ₄₂ (D _43> d _42).
The conical protrusion 44 is provided at the other axial end of the both engaging protrusions 41 and 41 so that the diameter of the conical protrusion 44 decreases toward the other axial direction of the both engaging protrusions 41 and 41. Yes.

The intermediate shaft portion 45 is provided between the conical insertion portion 43 and the conical protrusion 44, and one half of the axial direction is substantially the same as the inner diameter d ₄₂ of each through hole 42, _42. and a small diameter portion 46 having the same outer diameter D _46. On the other hand, the other half portion in the axial direction is a large diameter portion 48 having an outer diameter D ₄₈ that is larger than the inner diameter d ₄₂ of each through hole 42, 42, which is continuous through the small diameter portion 46 and the stepped portion 47. .

  Such engagement protrusion members 41 and 41 are formed by elastically deforming the conical insertion portion 43 to reduce the dimension in the radial direction so that the through holes 42 and 42 are formed from the outer diameter side of the inner column main body 40. The inner column main body 40 is assembled by passing it to the inner diameter side. In such an assembled state, the conical insertion portion 43 is disposed on the inner diameter side of the inner column main body 40, and the small diameter portion 46 of the intermediate shaft portion 45 is disposed on the inner side of the through holes 42, 42. The large diameter portion 48 of the shaft portion 45 and the conical protrusion 44 are arranged on the outer diameter side of the inner column main body 40, respectively.

Further, in a state in which the inner column 14b is assembled to the inner diameter side of the outer column 13b, a portion of the inner column 14b where the both engagement projecting members 41 and 41 are provided is covered by both the coverings of the movable bracket 20a. It is arranged between the inner side surfaces of the sandwiching parts 21a, 21a and between the two raised parts 35, 35 on the lower side of the raised parts 35, 35.
When the inner column 14b is rotated clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 2 (neutral state) with respect to the outer column 13b, one of the two engaging protrusions 41, 41 (in FIG. 2). The left and right conical protrusions 44 of the engaging protrusions 41 are engaged with the lower surface of the raised portion 35 formed on the inner surface of one of the sandwiched portions 21a. (Contact). On the other hand, when the inner column 14b rotates counterclockwise from the neutral state with respect to the outer column 13b, the conical protrusion 44 of the other (right side in FIG. 2) engagement protrusion member 41 holds the other clamped portion. It engages with the lower surface of the raised portion 35 formed on the inner surface of the portion 21a. In this way, relative rotation between the outer column 13b and the inner column 14b is caused to occur within a predetermined range {neutral state (the state shown in FIG. 2) with the outer peripheral surfaces of the two engaging projecting members 41, 41. The clearances 49, 49} are restricted within the circumferential direction between the raised portions 35, 35 and the lower side surfaces thereof. In the case of this example, the relative rotation between the outer column 13b and the inner column 14b as described above is possible even when a torque of about 10 [Nm] is applied to the both engaging projecting members 41, 41. The strength of both engaging protrusions 41, 41 is ensured so that it can be regulated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), both the engaging projecting members 41, 41 have the longest axial dimension of the portion where the outer column 13b and the inner column 14b overlap in the radial direction ( From the state in which the axial length of the steering column 6b is the shortest) to the state in which the axial dimension is the shortest (the axial length of the steering column 6b is the longest) as shown in FIG. In the range (in the range of normal expansion / contraction operation), there is no contact (interference) with the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13b in the axial direction.
Further, in a state in which the telescopic steering device is assembled, the both engaging projecting members 41 and 41 are arranged behind the hook-shaped member 19a (on the right side in FIGS. 1 and 5 and the back side in FIG. 2). Further, a part of the conical protrusions 44 of the both engaging protrusions 41 and 41 and a part of the flange-shaped member 19a overlap with each other in the axial direction.

Therefore, when the outer column 13b and the inner column 14b contract with a secondary collision beyond the range of the normal expansion / contraction operation, as shown in FIG. The conical protrusions 41 and 41 are provided at the rear end portion of the continuous portion 50 where the axial rear ends (the right side in FIG. 5) of both inclined portions 36 and 36 of the movable bracket 20a and the outer column 13b are continuous. Abuts the inner peripheral surface. When the outer column 13b and the inner column 14b are further contracted from such a state, as shown in FIG. 5C, the inner peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the continuous portion 50 and the inner column 14b. A force in a shearing direction is applied to each of the engaging protrusions 41 and 41 between the outer peripheral surfaces of the two and the respective engaging protrusions 41 and 41 are broken at the respective stepped portion 47 portions. In the case of this example, the allowable shear load at which each of the engaging protrusions 41 and 41 is torn is set to about 0.5 to 1 [KN] (total). Further, a clip for fixing a harness of an automobile electrical component is supported on each of the engagement protrusion members 41, 41, or a function as a clip is added to each of the engagement projection members 41, 41 itself. You can also.
In the telescopic steering apparatus of the present example as described above, the operation method for adjusting the position of the steering wheel 1 in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is substantially the same as the conventional structure described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the case of the telescopic steering device of this example, the outer and inner columns 13b and 14b are assembled to each other on the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14b by the engaging protrusions 41 and 41 as described above. The relative rotation between the inner columns 13b and 14b is restricted within the predetermined range described above. As a result, the outer and inner columns 13b and 14b can be maintained in an appropriate assembled state.
Also, the operation of assembling the outer and inner columns 13b, 14b is performed so that the engaging protrusions 41, 41 are disposed between the sandwiched portions 21a, 21a of the outer column 13b. This can be done with simple operations by simply matching the phases in the circumferential direction.

  Further, in a state in which the steering device is assembled, both the engaging protrusions 41, 41 are arranged behind the flange-shaped member 19a and a part of the conical protrusion 44 of each of the engaging protrusions 41, 41. A part of the bowl-shaped member 19a is provided so as to overlap with the axial direction. For this reason, the engaging protrusions 41 and 41 do not pass through the flange-shaped member 19a in the axial direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the inner column 14b from coming out of the outer column 13b in the axial direction.

  Further, when the outer and inner columns 13b and 14b are contracted beyond the normal expansion / contraction range during the secondary collision, the both engagement projecting members 41 and 41 are in contact with each other. It tears at the step 47 part. For this reason, the presence of both engaging projecting members 41, 41 is a collapsing stroke between the outer and inner columns 13b, 14b {the amount by which the entire length of the steering column 6b can contract when a secondary collision occurs (the outer The amount by which the column 13b and the inner column 14b can be relatively displaced in the axial direction)} is not affected. Further, since the load required for breaking the both engaging projecting members 41, 41 is suppressed to about 0.5 to 1 [KN], these both engaging projecting members are used in the steering wheel during the secondary collision. The impact on the collapse load required to displace the lens forward can be reduced. As a result, the driver can be sufficiently protected during the secondary collision.

[Second Example of Embodiment]
FIG. 6 shows a second example of an embodiment of the invention corresponding to all claims. The outer column 13c constituting the telescopic steering device of this example is a cylindrical shape in which at least a part of the inner diameter in the axial direction can be elastically expanded and contracted, as in the first example of the embodiment described above. A support portion 34a is provided on the inner diameter side of 13c for fitting and supporting the inner column 14b so that it can be displaced in the axial direction. The structure of the inner column 14b (inner column main body 40, engaging protrusions 41, 41) constituting the telescopic steering device of this example is the same as that of the first example of the embodiment described above, and the inner column 14b Is arranged opposite to the outer column 13c in the radial direction (vertical direction) with respect to the first example. Other arrangement relations, operations and effects of the engaging projecting members 41, 41, the outer column 13c, the movable bracket 20b, and the bowl-shaped member 19a in the assembled state of the telescopic steering device are described above. This is the same as the first example of the embodiment.

  The support portions 34a are radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13c at three equally spaced circumferential positions in the portion overlapping the inner column 14b in the radial direction. It consists of raised portions 35 and 35a formed in a protruding state. Of these, the raised portion 35 is formed at one position below the inner peripheral surface of FIG. On the other hand, the remaining two raised portions 35a, 35a are formed at positions shifted from the raised portion 35 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (120 ° in this example). And the front-end edge (diameter direction inner edge) of each of these protruding parts 35a and 35a is made to contact | abut with the outer peripheral surface of the said inner column 14b.

Of the raised portions 35 and 35a, a pair of raised portions 35a and 35a formed in the upper part of FIG. 6 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14b pass through the center O _14b of the inner column 14b. A position inclined by an angle θ (about 30 degrees in this example) toward the movable side bracket 20b (upward in FIG. 6) described later with respect to a virtual plane α orthogonal to the support wall portions 22a and 22a of the fixed side bracket 12b. It is in contact with. Increasing this angle θ (decreasing the dimension in the width direction between the raised portions 35a, 35a) can increase the support rigidity of the outer column 13c in the vertical direction, and can form the movable bracket 20b. Can be improved. However, the magnitude of the angle θ is appropriately determined in consideration of the thickness of the first friction plates 51 and 51 and the second friction plates 52 and 52 described later. In addition, the molding method of such an outer column 13c is the same as that of the 1st example of embodiment mentioned above.

The movable bracket 20b is provided so as to protrude upward from the front end portion of the outer column 13c, and is used to expand and contract the pair of support wall portions 22b and 22b constituting the fixed bracket 12c in the width direction. Along with this, a pair of sandwiched portions 21 b and 21 b that can expand and contract in the width direction and a bottom portion 53 are provided.
Both of the sandwiched portions 21b and 21b are substantially the same as the support wall portions 22a and 22a, with one end (the lower end in FIG. 6) continuing upward from the upper ends of the raised portions 35a and 35a. They are formed in parallel. Further, the dimension W _{22a in} the width direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 6) between the inner side surfaces in the width direction of both the supporting wall portions 22a, 22a relates to the width direction in the width direction outer surfaces of the both sandwiched portions 21b, 21b. The sum T _ALL (T _ALL = 2T) of the dimension D _21b and the thickness T _{51 of} all the first friction plates 51, ₅₁ and the thickness T _{52 of} the second friction plates 52, 52, which will be described later, ₅₁ + 2T ₅₂ ) (W _22a ≈D _21b + T _ALL ).
Further, the bottom portion 53 is provided in a state in which the other end edges (upper end edges in FIG. 6) of the both sandwiched portions 21b and 21b are continuous. Therefore, the movable bracket 20b has a box shape with the lower and front sides opened.

  Further, a first friction plate 51, 51 and a second friction plate are provided between a width direction inner side surface of both the supporting wall portions 22a, 22a and a width direction outer side surface of the both sandwiched portions 21b, 21b. Plates 52 and 52 are arranged. In the case of this example, one first friction plate 51 and one second friction plate 52 are arranged for each part. Each of the first and second friction plates 51 and 52 has the second friction plates 52 and 52 disposed inside the first friction plates 51 and 51 in the width direction. The positional relationship between the first and second friction plates 51 and 52 in the width direction can be reversed from that in this example.

  Each of the first friction plates 51, 51 is made of a light alloy such as an iron alloy, an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or the like, and is a plate-like member that is long in the front-rear direction. Further, the first friction plates 51, 51 are long in the front-rear direction in which the hook-shaped member 19a can be inserted at a position aligned with at least the column side through holes 38b, 38b of the sandwiched portions 21b, 21b. A first friction plate side through hole 54 is formed. Each of the first friction plates 51, 51 can be displaced in the width direction by a guide pin (not shown) at the rear end portion and the front end portion at the both sandwiched portions 21b, 21b. However, it is supported in a state where displacement in the axial direction and the vertical direction is prevented. That is, each of the first friction plates 51 and 51 is supported with respect to the movable bracket 20b so as to be movable in conjunction with the movable bracket 20b in the axial direction and the vertical direction.

  On the other hand, each of the second friction plates 52, 52 is a plate-like member made of a light alloy such as an iron alloy, an aluminum alloy, or a magnesium alloy. Further, a second friction plate side through hole 55 is formed at the center position of each of the second friction plates 52, 52 so that the flange-like member 19a can be inserted so as not to rattle. That is, the second friction plates 52 and 52 can move in conjunction with the flange-shaped member 19a in a state where the flange-shaped member 19a is inserted into the second friction plate-side through hole 55. .

In the telescopic steering device of this example, the movable bracket 20b is provided in a state of protruding upward from the front end portion of the outer column 13c. For this reason, it is possible to facilitate the design of a structure that can prevent interference with the driver's knee or the like by not arranging the hook-shaped member 19a below the front end portion of the outer column 13c.
Further, the first friction plates 51, 51 and the second friction plates 52, for each portion between the inner side surfaces of the support wall portions 22a, 22a and the sandwiched portions 21b, 21b, 52. Therefore, each of the support wall portions 22a and 22a, the first friction plates 51 and 51, the second friction plates 52 and 52, and the sandwiched portions 21b and 21b. The frictional force can be increased by increasing the total friction area of the contact portions between the members 22a, 51, 52 and 21b. As a result, the steering wheel 1 can be stably held at the adjusted position. It should be noted that the number of the friction plates 51 and 52 can be made larger than the structure of this example. By increasing the number, the holding force for holding the steering wheel 1 in the adjusted position can be increased. Other structures, operations and effects are the same as those of the first example of the embodiment described above.

[Third example of embodiment]
7 to 10 show a third example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to all claims. In the case of the telescopic steering device of this example, the engaging projection member 41a has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the width direction (left-right direction in FIG. 7 and up-down direction in FIG. 8) in the assembled state to the inner column main body 40a. Further, one side surface (the lower surface in FIGS. 7 and 10) of the engaging protrusion member 41a is formed as a concave curved surface along the outer peripheral surface of the inner column main body 40a. Further, an insertion protrusion 43 is provided at the center of the one side surface so as to protrude from the one side surface. The insertion protrusion 43 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 57 provided in the base half portion (upper half portion in FIG. 7) and a conical insertion provided in the tip half portion (lower half portion in FIG. 7). Part 58. The outer diameter D ₅₇ of the shaft portion 57 is substantially the same as the inner diameter d _{59 of the} through hole 59 formed at one position in the circumferential direction near the front end of the inner column main body 40a (D ₅₇ ≈d ₅₉ ). It is.

In addition, the cone insertion portion 58 has an outer diameter D ₅₈ at least at the largest diameter portion (a portion closer to the shaft portion 57) larger than the inner diameter d _{59 of the} through hole 59, and the tip (see FIGS. 7 and 10). It has a conical shape with a smaller diameter toward the lower end. Further, a radial slit 60 that divides the conical insertion portion 58 into two is formed on the distal end surface of the conical insertion portion 58. By forming such a radial slit 60, the conical insertion portion 58 is easily elastically deformed in the radial direction.
Such an engaging projection member 41a elastically deforms the conical insertion portion 58 so as to contract in the radial direction, thereby allowing the through hole 59 of the inner column main body 40a to have an inner diameter from the outer diameter side of the inner column main body 40a. And is assembled to the inner column main body 40a.

Further, in a state where the inner column 14c is assembled to the inner diameter side of the outer column 13c, a portion of the inner column 14c provided with the engaging projection member 41a is formed between the sandwiched portions 21b and 21b of the movable bracket 20b. It is arrange | positioned in the part between inner side surfaces.
When the inner column 14c is rotated clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 7 (neutral state) with respect to the outer column 13c, one side surface (the right side surface in FIG. 7) of the engagement protrusion member 41a is Of the two sandwiched portions 21b and 21b, the inner surface of one sandwiched portion 21b comes into contact. On the other hand, when the inner column 14c rotates counterclockwise from the neutral state with respect to the outer column 13c, the other side surface (left side surface in FIG. 7) of the engaging projection member 41a is moved to the both sandwiched portions 21b. , 21b abuts against the inner surface of the other sandwiched portion 21b. In this way, the relative rotation of the outer and inner columns 13c, 14c is set within a predetermined range {neutral state (the state shown in FIG. 7), both side surfaces in the width direction of the engaging protrusion member 41a, and The gaps 49a and 49a} are regulated in the circumferential direction with the inner side surfaces of the both sandwiched portions 21b and 21b.
Also, in the case of the structure of this example, as in each example of the above-described embodiment, the engagement projecting member 41a is positioned behind the flange-shaped member 19a (see FIG. 7) in a state where the telescopic steering device is assembled. And a part of the engaging protrusion 41a and a part of the flange-shaped member 19a are arranged so as to overlap each other in the axial direction.

  Similarly to each example of the above-described embodiment, when the outer column 13c and the inner column 14c contract beyond the range of a normal expansion / contraction operation due to a secondary collision, the engagement protrusion The member 41a receives a force in the shearing direction between the inner peripheral surface of the outer column 13c and the outer peripheral surface of the inner column 14c, and the engaging protrusion member 41a is detached from the inner column main body 40a. In addition, the structure of the engagement protrusion member 41a of this example can also be applied to the first and second examples of the embodiment described above. Other structures, operations, and effects are the same as those of the second example of the embodiment described above.

  The structure of the telescopic steering device that is the subject of the present invention does not matter in the longitudinal direction of the outer column and the inner column that constitute the steering column. The inner column may be on the rear side, and the outer column may be on the rear side. When the outer column is arranged on the rear side, the engaging protrusion is positioned forward of the hook-shaped member, and at least a part of the hook-shaped member overlaps at least a part of the hook-shaped member with respect to the axial direction. Provide in the state.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Steering gear unit 3 Input shaft 4 Tie rod 5, 5a Steering shaft 6, 6a, 6b Steering column 7 Universal joint 8 Intermediate shaft 9 Universal joint 10 Car body 11 Axis 12, 12a, 12b, 12c Fixed side bracket 13, 13a , 13b, 13c Outer column 14, 14a, 14b, 14c Inner column 15 Outer tube 16 Inner shaft 17 Electric motor 18 Adjustment lever 19, 19a Gutter-shaped member 20, 20a, 20b Movable side bracket 21, 21a, 21b Clamping part 22 , 22a, 22b Support wall portion 23 Tightening nut 24 Lock nut 25 Head 26 Cam mechanism 27 Cam member 28 Cam member 29 Stopper member 30 Long hole 31 Housing 32 Pivoting bracket 33 Through hole 3 , 34a Support portion 35, 35a Raised portion 36 Inclined portion 37, 37a Car body side through hole 38, 38a, 38b Column side through hole 39 Continuous portion 40, 40a Inner column main body 41, 41a Engaging projection member 42 Through hole 43 Cone insertion Part 44 conical protrusion 45 intermediate shaft part 46 small diameter part 47 step part 48 large diameter part 49, 49a gap 50 continuous part 51 first friction plate 52 second friction plate 53 bottom part 54 first friction plate side through hole 55 Second friction plate side through hole 56 Insertion protrusion 57 Shaft part 58 Conical insertion part 59 Through hole 60 Radial slit

Claims (3)

A telescopic steering column, a steering shaft, a fixed bracket supported on the vehicle body side, a movable bracket, a bowl-shaped member, and an adjustment lever are provided.
Among these, the steering column includes a cylindrical outer column capable of expanding and reducing at least a part of the inner diameter in the axial direction, and a cylindrical inner column that is fitted and supported on the inner diameter side of the outer column so as to be capable of axial displacement. And can be expanded and contracted,
The steering shaft is rotatably supported on the inner diameter side of the steering column, and a steering wheel is mounted on a rear end portion protruding rearward from the rear end opening of the steering column,
The fixed-side bracket is provided in a fixed portion with the inner diameter of the outer column being able to expand and contract from both sides in the width direction, and has a pair of support wall portions that can be expanded and contracted in the width direction. And
The movable bracket is formed integrally with the outer column by plastic working from the outer column, and has a pair of sandwiched portions that can be expanded and contracted in the width direction as the support wall portions expand and contract in the width direction. Have
The flange-shaped member is disposed in the width direction in a state where the vehicle body side through hole formed at a position where the both supporting wall portions are aligned with each other and the column side through hole formed in the both sandwiched portions are inserted. , For expanding and reducing the distance between a pair of opposed surfaces of the both supporting wall portions,
In the telescopic steering device, the adjustment lever is provided at a base end portion of the bowl-shaped member, and is for expanding and contracting the distance between the pair of surfaces as it rotates.
Of the outer peripheral surface of the inner column, the portion between the inner surfaces of the sandwiched portions of the movable bracket, and the portion that does not interfere with the inner peripheral surface of the outer column and the axial direction within the range of normal expansion and contraction, A steering apparatus, wherein an engagement protrusion is formed to restrict rotation of the inner column with respect to the outer column by engagement with the inner side surfaces of both of the sandwiched portions.   Based on the engagement between the engagement protrusions and at least a part of the engagement protrusions and at least a part of the hook-like member in the axial direction, the engagement protrusions and the hook-like member are engaged. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the steering apparatus is provided in a state of preventing the inner column from coming out of the outer column. When the outer column and the inner column are displaced relative to each other beyond the range of a normal expansion / contraction operation due to a collision accident, the engagement protrusion comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer column with respect to the axial direction. The steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the steering apparatus is separated from the inner column.

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